Little Harbour School Memorial for Lydia Valdez

Meaningful Memorial Design

Lydia's school is blessed by its juxtaposition to the tidal water of the Little Harbor. Presently, the school grounds are completely fenced off from the water and the dock, even the views of the Little Harbor are mostly restricted by the growth of invasive non-native plants. Given that Lydia was buried in the cemetery just across the water, the parents had stated that they wished to have a visually connection between the school grounds and the cemetery. Establishing a visual link across the water was the first clue to a proper response, but I needed to understand Lydia. To do this I requested access to her art work, which she had done in earnest in her last months.

Once her parents provided me with their personal pictures of Lydia, healthy and smiling, and photos near the end of her life as well, along with images of her drawings I had all I needed. She had a strong sense for abstract expression and the images I chose resonated with me viscerally.

I was lucky that she drew a big mouth, because after seeing photos of her smile I knew I had to capture that, which her drawing did. I also selected her drawing of an eye, later learning that one eye failed early. These pieces work as a pair, as Lydia had intended, and I propose placing them on poles as whirligigs. The pole design is also extracted from her collection, as is the geometric paving blocks to be set in the ground as a walk.

This project may be about honoring Lydia’s short life, her connection within the community, and her vitality to the end, but it also has to be embraced by the kids in the school to be a successful living memorial. Toward that end, I think the poles and the paving blocks and the proposed garden will become the infrastructure from which other kids can create their own art. The act of kids creating prayer flags, painting poles and paving blocks, becomes the vehicle to engage kids in and extend the site-art experience.

This design also becomes a threshold to the dock from a building entrance and will frame the view towards Lydia’s grave site while creating a vertical element to then be viewed while standing near Lydia’s grave.